Firearm leveler and stabilizer

ABSTRACT

The invented firearm leveler-stabilizer reduces rifle movement to improve projectile accuracy by using an adjustable elongated member connected to the bottom surface of a gun buttstock. A turnbuckle provides an adjustment means for extremely precise leveling of the firearm&#39;s barrel while a foot pad rests upon a supporting surface to increase stability during recoil, and while the front of the firearm preferably rests on a bi-pod or other support. A swivel at one end of the leveler-stabilizer connects to a buttstock mount, and a foot pad at the other end of the leveler-stabilizer rests on the ground. In between the two ends is a turnbuckle which provides a means to adjust buttstock elevation extremely accurately for targeting. This foot pad may have an optional sling attachment point. The leveler-stabilizer pivots to against the firearm for transport or storage. The leveler-stabilizer is particularly effective near the rear of the gun and the additional use of a front pod unit, that is, a monopod, bipod or tripod at a point forward of the receiver, so that, as the rear leveler-stabilizer moves the rear of the firearm up or down, the front of the firearm pivots on the front pod unit.

[0001] This application claims priority of prior provisional applicationSerial No. 60/212,110, filed Jun. 15, 2000, entitled “Firearm Levelerand Stabilizer,” which is incorporated herein by this reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention.

[0003] This invention relates to guns and gun supports. Specifically,the device relates to rifle stabilization and leveling equipment forincreased accuracy and safety, and for reducing a gun user's fatigue.

[0004] 2. Related Art.

[0005] A number of gun stabilizing devices exist for increasingprojectile accuracy. These devices typically include a leg connected tothe firearm stock about midway along the firearm length and extendingdown from the firearm to the ground or floor. These devices are intendedto stabilize the firearm during targeting or firing. Noteworthy examplesof the prior art include:

[0006] Helmstadter (U.S. Pat. No. 4,007,554) is an ADJUSTABLE GUNSUPPORT that includes a cradle that receives a front portion and a rearportion of the gun, and a pointed rod member which is inserted in theground with the aid of a step-on member. The gun cradle may be raised orlowered vertically on the rod to elevate or lower the rifle.

[0007] The GUN REST proposed by Pickett (U.S. Pat. No. 4,393,614)depicts a mono-pod attached by a clamp to a rifle barrel at a positionforward of the fore-stock. The leg of the monopod telescopes for raisingor lowering the rifle barrel. The monopod pivots to be generallyparallel to the rifle barrel for storage and pivots to be generallyperpendicular to the barrel for stabilization of the rifle barrel. Auser of this GUN REST collapses the telescoping leg for storage andresets the length of the telescoping leg when re-using the monopod afterstorage.

[0008] Brown (U.S Pat. No. 5,345,706)also describes a telescopingFIREARM SUPPORT that attaches to a rifle's fore-stock using a boltlocated forward of the receiver.

[0009] Brubach (U.S. Pat. No. 5,903,995) adds a base plate to a mono-poddevice.

[0010] Harris (U.S. Pat. No. 4,625,620) describes a BIPOD FOR A FIREARMwhich attaches to the forestock and has a pair of adjustable telescopinglegs. The bipod legs maintain a strut mechanism with resilientproperties for absorbing recoil forces.

[0011] Another category of gun support systems include more complexsystems than most mono-pod or bi-pod systems, resulting in what may becalled a cradle or a support frame with several legs. Cady (U.S. Pat No.4,026,057) SHOOTING SUPPORT FOR RIFLE and Cady (U.S. Pat. No. 5,628,135)SHOOTING SUPPORT FOR RIFLES AND HANDGUNS are exemplary of art in thiscategory. These two devices provide a mechanical support mechanism thatcradles the weapon upon a base that has both pivotal front support legsand a rear leg support. These stands may adjust to a number of positionsthat accommodate varying terrain and facilitate transport.

[0012] Buttstock rests are a third category of rifle stabilizers.Lombardo (U.S. Pat. No. 4,987,694) discloses a GUN REST FOR CONTROLLINGTHE BUTTSTOCK that has a U-shaped bracket that receives the butt of thegun stock. The U-shaped bracket terminates in a base member. It rigidlyattaches to the butt vertical end surface. The device provides amechanism to adjust buttstock elevation and, a dampening pad reducesrecoil forces.

[0013] Beltz (U.S. Pat No. 5,937,560) is an ADJUSTABLE FIRE ARM SUPPORTthat attaches to a sling stud mounted on the underside of a buttstock. Atop end of a support rod has a pivotal clasp that engages the slingstud. A support leg can be rotated up or down on the lower threaded endof the support rod.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention is a FIREARM LEVELER AND STABILIZER,hereafter also referred to as the “leveler-stabilizer,” that reducesrifle movement to improve shot groupings or accuracy and/or assists inleveling the rifle for precise aim or comfort. The leveler-stabilizerprovides a rear support leg that, when used in conjunction with a frontbi-pod, provides a simple, yet stable system that can also reducefatigue of the user during aiming and waiting for the desired shot.

[0015] The leveler-stabilizer comprises preferably a single adjustableelongated member, that is preferably used along with a front support ofsome type, but that is not connected to the front support. Theleveler-stabilizer has an adjustment system for lengthening orshortening the elongated member that features extremely fine-adjustmentor “fine-tuning.” Most-preferably, the adjustment system comprises aturnbuckle.

[0016] The preferred leveler-stabilizer is a simple and effective devicethat, which minimum of parts, addresses the need for a compact andreliable leveling and stabilizing device, especially of the rear end ofthe gun. The leveler-stabilizer includes, on one end, a pivotalconnector that connects or attaches to the bottom surface of a rearportion of a gun, preferably to the bottom surface of the butt of thegun. The leveler-stabilizer includes, on its other end, a foot pad forresting on the ground or other surface. Between the connector and thefoot pad is preferably an elongated leg comprising a single turnbuckle.The turnbuckle provides an adjustment means for extremely preciseheight-adjustment and leveling of the firearm. Also, the foot pad restsupon a supporting surface to support the firearm, and, when used with abi-pod, to create a three-leg support system that allows the user torest his arms rather than support the firearm for long periods of timewhile aiming and waiting. During the shot, the inventedleveler-stabilizer increase stability during recoil.

[0017] The preferred device is constructed from three main components: aconnector, a turnbuckle assembly, and a lower assembly,. The preferredconnector is a swivel assembly that is adapted to pivotally connect to arear portion of a firearm. Preferably, the swivel assembly connects to asling mount, such as a sling stud, which is often already provided on agun buttstock for receiving one end of a gun sling.

[0018] The turnbuckle comprises two oppositely threaded ends thatrotates on their axis in the turnbuckle body. One threaded rod of theturnbuckle assembly is connected to the swivel assembly, and the otheroppositely-threaded rod of the turnbuckle assembly is connected to thelower assembly. The turnbuckle body connects, and is generally centrallylocated between, the two threaded ends.

[0019] The lower assembly comprises a foot pad that is pivotallyconnected to the lower end of the turnbuckle, that is, the lowerthreaded rod. The foot pad may have an optional sling attachment point,such as a sling eyelet, or similar opening, that allows a sling to beattached to the leveler-stabilizer instead of to the sling stud.

[0020] The invented device's assembly may vary according to theequipment already placed upon the firearm. The most demandinginstallation will require placement of a sling mount onto or into thebuttstock of a rifle or handgun. A swivel assembly with an attachedturnbuckle is then attached to the sling mount. The swivel assemblypreferably is pivotal at its point of connection to the sling mountand/or the top threaded rod of the turnbuckle. The swivel assembly maybe integrally connected to the sling mount during manufacture.

[0021] The swivel assembly and the lower assembly are connected by theturnbuckle, and the turnbuckle is adjusted using clockwise andcounterclockwise movements of the turnbuckle body about its axis. Theclockwise or counterclockwise movement will depend on the direction ofthe male threading of the rods and the female threading of theturnbuckle. For example, the threading of the top rod may beright-threaded and the lower rod left-threaded, or, the threading may bereversed with the right-threaded rod attached to the lower assembly andthe left-threaded rod attached to the swivel assembly.

[0022] The fully-assembled firearm leveler and stabilizer provides ameans to rapidly adjust the elevation of the buttstock to sight atarget. The rods and turnbuckle are pivoted to a generally perpendicularposition relative to the longitudinal axis of the firearm, and the baseof the foot pad is positioned parallel to a generally stable and planarsurface. A bi-pod or other support is placed under the front of thefirearm, so that the firearm is supported near both ends by two,preferably independently-adjustable supports. A gross adjustmenttypically is made before the firearm is set up on the bi-pod and thelever-stabilizer, followed by fine-tuning of the height of the buttstockby turning the turnbuckle clockwise or counterclockwise. A particularlybeneficial feature of the invented leveler-stabilizer is that extremelyaccurate height-adjustment/leveling may be made after setting up thefirearm in position for firing. The user may look through the scope atthe target, for example, while adjusting the turnbuckle with one hand,and letting the other hand rest. The turnbuckle may be smoothly andslowly turned for very small adjustments, which assists in establishingvery accurate projection upon firing.

[0023] When the user is done shooting, the leveler-stabilizer may bepivoted against the gun for storage or a sling may be attached to theleveler-stabilizer for carrying the combined gun plusleveler-stabilizer. The leveler-stabilizer stores parallel to thebuttstock without necessarily any shortening of its length, which meansthat frequently the lever-stabilizer may be rapidly deployed again in agenerally pre-adjusted state in similar physical environs, so thatlittle or no fine-tuning is required.

[0024] The leveler-stabilizer advances the art of firearm use by (1)doubling the speed of stabilized buttstock elevation compared to asingle-threaded device by providing a “double-threaded”adjustment (suchas a turnbuckle), (2) requiring a minimal amount of attachment to thefirearm itself and (3) providing for unintrusive storage and rapiddeployment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025]FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of one embodiment of theleveler-stabilizer that includes an exterior sling attachment point onthe foot pad of the leveler-stabilizer.

[0026]FIG. 2 is a side view of the leveler-stabilizer of FIG. 1, withoutan exterior sling attachment point, pivoted into a generally-horizontalstorage position.

[0027]FIG. 3 is a front view of another embodiment of theleveler-stabilizer having a recessed sling attachment point.

[0028]FIG. 4 is a front view of the detail of the lower assembly of theembodiment in FIG. 3.

[0029]FIG. 5 is a side view of an embodiment of the leveler-stabilizerconnected to a rifle and a sling and being carried by a user.

[0030]FIG. 6 is a side view of another, especially-preferred embodiment,with a modified connector.

[0031]FIG. 7A illustrates the leveler-stabilizer of FIG. 6 in use with abi-pod near the front of the gun.

[0032]FIG. 7B illustrates the leveler-stabilizer of FIG. 6 storedagainst the gun during nonuse.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Referring to the FIGS., there are shown several, but not theonly, embodiments of the leveler-stabilizer 1. The preferred embodimentcomprises a swivel assembly (2), a lower assembly (4) and a turnbuckle(6).

[0034] The swivel assembly (2) has two pins (8, 8′) in a swivel (10), asdepicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 illustrates the leveler-stabilizer 1in its extended, generally vertical position ready for use. The firstpin (8) interconnects with a sling stud or mount (12) to make the swivel(10) pivotal relative to the buttstock (14). For example, pin 8 may passthrough an aperture in the sling mount 12 (aperture not shown). Assuggested in FIG. 2, which shows the leveler-stabilizer 1 pivoted forstorage or travel, the pivotal nature of this connection allows theswivel (10), actually, the leveler-stabilizer 1 as a whole, to pivot tobe generally parallel, and in close proximity, to the buttstock. Thesecond pin (8′) interconnects the swivel (10) with a male, rightthreadedrod (16) and allows this rod (16) to pivot to be parallel and close tothe gun barrel.

[0035] The sling mount (12) may include a threaded protrusion (18) thatscrews into the buttstock 14 (or, less-preferably, to a butt plate atthe end of the butt). Optionally, the sling mount (12) may be integratedinto the buttstock (or butt plate) during manufacture of the firearm.Other sling mount embodiments may use different attachment mechanismsincluding hook and loop fasteners, cotter pins, welded protrusions orplates, etc. to connect the swivel (10) to the buttstock 14.

[0036] The lower assembly (4) includes a foot pad (22) thatinterconnects with a male, leftthreaded rod (24) by means of a thirdpivotal pin (26). Foot pad (22) is preferably generally trapezoidal orpyramid-shaped, with a base (23) approximately 1-5″ wide X 1-3″ deep.The foot pad (22) height (extending up from the base) is minimal toreduce the weight of the overall device but will depend on provisionsfor a sling attachment point. The pivotal nature of the connection bypivotal pin (26) permits the foot pad to rotate relative to the leftthreaded rod (24) when the foot pad is placed upon a slanted planarsurface. An optional pin (28) may be recessed within a concave well (30)on the front portion of the foot pad to accommodate attachment of acarrying sling (32). An eyelet (34) affixed to the exterior surface ofthe same area may serve a similar purpose.

[0037] Turnbuckle body (6) has female right- and left-threading, androtates about its axis to accept the right threaded rod (16) and theleft threaded rod (24) at opposite ends of the body (6). By rotating theturnbuckle body (6) in a first direction, the threaded rods (16) and(24) are pulled into the body (6), shortening the total length of theleveler-stabilizer 1. By rotating the turnbuckle body (6) in theopposite direction, the threaded rods (16) and (24) are pushed apart,lengthening the total length of the leveler-stabilizer 1.

[0038] Production of the swivel assembly, lower assembly, and otherparts of the invented device may utilize stamping, forging, injection,welding, molding and/or machining process techniques, as will beapparent to one of average skill after seeing this disclosure. Utilizingcarbon fiber or similar lightweight high-strength materials withpre-molded or cut-out threading may address any weight concerns. The useof metal(s), non-metal(s), composite materials, metal alloys and/orpolymeric materials, such as high impact plastics or carbon fibers, maybe utilized to construct the device.

[0039] The invention has two general positions that may generally becalled horizontal and vertical. The preferred position for use isactually extending slightly rearward from the connection point to thebuttstock (see FIG. 7A). This way, the firearm is more stable,especially against the user bumping the firearm while waiting andagainst recoil during the shot. In a horizontal position, the swivel(10) rotates clockwise by pivoting on first pin (8). At a point in timebefore, during or after the swivel rotation, the right threaded rod(16), turnbuckle body (6), left threaded rod (24) and foot pad (22) alsorotate toward the forestock around second pin (8′). Thus, this swivelassembly comprises two pivot points or pivot joints.

[0040] The leveler-stabilizer will generally rest parallel with thefirearm barrel when used in conjunction with a carrying sling, shown inFIG. 5. This positioning accommodates the sling as it extends around thearm and shoulder of the user. The leveler-stabilizer 1 preferably mayrotate all the way to a position wherein it is contacting the lowerplane of the firearm's buttstock (14) at least at points along thelength of the leveler-stabilizer. The stored position of theleveler-stabilizer against the buttstock permits storage of the firearmin a gun rack or similar container without removal of theleveler-stabilizer.

[0041] The device's vertical position places a first surface (35) of theswivel (10) against the buttstock (14) with the right threaded rod (16)extending downward from the swivel. This positioning generally placesthe device's rod-turnbuckle axis in a perpendicular orientation to thefirearm's barrel.

[0042] The invented single-leg, tumbuckle-style leveler-stabilizerallows accurate adjustment while also providing a rigid “leg” upon whichthe firearm is supported and which is used as a raising device orlowering device which pivots the firearm pivot on its front pivot point,which is the front pod unit 200 (mono-pod, bi-pod, or other). Frictionalforces within the turnbuckle prevent unintentional, accidental movementof the turnbuckle. This vertical position permits the turnbuckle torotate and adjust the elevation of the firearm's barrel for targeting.Importantly, this adjustment does not require movement of the foot pad(22) and allows the gunman to adjust the elevation without movement ofthe firearm, that is, while the foot pad is firmly and surely in place.The use of a forestock support such as a monopod, bipod, sandbags, etc.may enhance the foot pad stabilization and provide even greaterprojectile accuracy, as shown in FIG. 7A.

[0043]FIGS. 6, 7A, and 7B illustrate an especially-preferred embodimentof the leveler-stabilizer 100, which includes a modified swivel assembly102, a rubbery pad or otherwise gripping surface 103 on the bottom ofthe foot pad, a sling mount 104, and etching or other frictionalenhancement 105 on the turnbuckle body (6). The swivel assembly 102comprises a swivel (110) that utilized a single top pivot point 108,which pivots relative to the sling stud or sling mount 12. A bolt or pinextends through the sling mount 12, and the swivel (110) pivots to placethe leveler-stabilizer 100 in a generally vertical (but preferablysomewhat rearwardreaching) position, as shown in FIG. 7A. When theleveler-stabilizer 100 is stored, it pivots at the single top pivotpoint 108, which may also be called a single pivot joint of the swivel.

[0044] The especially-preferred swivel (110) comprises an arm (111) thatextends from its fixed connection with top rod (16) at an angle to thelongitudinal axis of the leveler-stabilizer 100, to place the pivotpoint (108) a distance from the axis of the leveler-stabilizer 100. Thearm extends preferably about one inch (or preferably in the range ofabout 1-2 inches) from the axis at an angle of about 40 degrees(preferably in the range of about 30-50) to the rod (16). See angle A inFIG. 6. This way, when the swivel 110 pivots for storage, there isclearance for the leveler-stabilizer 100

[0045] The invented leveler-stabilizer is particularly effective becauseit is preferably simple in construction and use. It may consist of asfew parts as the swivel assembly (with one pivot bolt or pin)non-rotatable and non-pivotally attached (at “B”) to the top rod, thelower rod pivotally but non-rotatably attached (at “C”) to the foot pad(with preferably a gripping surface), and a turnbuckle body connectingthe top and lower rod.

[0046] Although this invention has been described above with referenceto particular means, materials and embodiments, it is not limited tothese disclosed particulars and extends to all equivalents within thescope of the following claims.

I claim:
 1. A finely-adjustable firearm leveler and support devicecomprising an elongated member adapted to extend down from a firearm tosupport the firearm, the elongated member comprising: a connectorassembly adapted to pivotally connect to a firearm; a base memberadapted for placement on a support surface; and a turnbuckle extendingbetween and adjustably connecting the connector assembly to the basemember so that rotation of the turnbuckle on its axis in a firstdirection lengthens the elongated member to raise the firearm, and sothat rotation of the turnbuckle on its axis in a second directionshorten the elongated member to lower the firearm:
 2. The device as inclaim 1, further comprising a sling mount on the base member, and asling connected at one end to the sling mount on the base member forattachment at an opposing end to a front portion of the firearm.
 3. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the connector assembly comprising a singlepivot joint.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the connector assemblycomprising two pivot joints, so that the connector assembly pivotsrelative to the firearm and the connector also pivots relative to theturnbuckle.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the connector assemblycomprises a curved arm with a first end attached to the turnbuckle and asecond end that extends away from the turnbuckle at an angle to the axisof the elongated member.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the angle is30-50 degrees.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the connector assemblycomprising a single pivotal joint.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein theturnbuckle has two oppositely-threaded end rods and a central bodyadapted to be turned relative to the end rods to shorten and lengthenthe elongated member.
 9. A finely-adjustable firearm leveler and supportdevice comprising an elongated member adapted to extend down from afirearm to support the firearm, the elongated member consistingessentially of: a connector assembly adapted to pivotally connect to afirearm; a base member adapted for placement on a support surface; and aturnbuckle extending between and adjustably connecting the connectorassembly to the base member so that rotation of the turnbuckle on itsaxis in a first direction lengthens the elongated member to raise thefirearm, and so that rotation of the turnbuckle on its axis in a seconddirection shorten the elongated member to lower the firearm.
 10. Thedevice of claim 9, wherein the turnbuckle has two oppositely-threadedend rods and a central body adapted to rotate relative to the end rodsto lengthen and shorten the elongated member.
 11. The device as in claim9, wherein the base member comprises a sling mount for a sling.
 12. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the connector assembly comprises a singlepivot joint.
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein the connector assemblycomprises two pivot joints, so that the connector assembly pivotsrelative to the firearm and the connector also pivots relative to theturnbuckle.
 14. The device of claim 9, wherein the connector assemblycomprises a curved arm with a first end attached to the turnbuckle and asecond end that extends away from the turnbuckle at an angle to the axisof the elongated member.
 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the angleis 30-50 degrees.
 16. The device of claim 9, wherein the turnbuckle hastwo oppositely-threaded end rods and a central body adapted to be turnedrelative to the end rods to shorten and lengthen the elongated member.